Search form

Search form

A solid knowledge of computer programming can lead to career opportunities in various fields, and there seems to be no shortage of free online programs available for those who want to develop their own coding skills. This article lists 10 free programs, including Code/Racer, which puts coding lessons in a racing game format, and MIT, which offers free computer courses online.

Related Summaries

Google CS First provides resources to help schools engage students in computer science and coding. In this commentary, Janice Mak, a teacher and instructional coach at the Paradise Valley Unified School District in Arizona, describes how her school uses the program to host clubs and get students -- particularly girls -- excited about STEM.

Greg Gianforte, a technology mogul who founded a free online computer-coding education program for Montana high-school students called CodeMontana, is taking another step to help students in the state. He recently partnered with Montana Tech to provide 40 scholarships, totaling $40,000, for students studying computer science or software engineering. Gianforte said he hopes this initiative will help offset the difference between tech job growth and the low number of computer science graduates the state's universities produce annually.

In this Q-and-A, Karen Purcell, president of PK Electrical, shares ideas for increasing the number of women in science and technology fields. She suggests removing bias among parents and educators that sometimes push girls away from math and science. Purcell also highlights the important role mentors can play for women starting out their careers in engineering and computer science.

In Catawba County, N.C., business leaders, government officials and educators are working together to expand students' educational opportunities. The group's director recently highlighted some of the programs in which students receive direct access to professionals working in science, technology, engineering and math fields. For example, she said, Extreme STEM tours take students out of the classroom and into the field where they can learn about the industry.

After-school program officials remain conservative about the potential effect they can have on increasing student interest in science, technology, engineering and math, according to a recent study. "Many in the after-school community are pessimistic that their impact will be recognized and valued," said Anita Krishnamurthi, STEM policy director for the Afterschool Alliance. "They aren't as confident about affecting the in-school outcomes that policymakers often focus on -- grades and test scores -- as they are about improving 'foundational' skills, such as problem-solving and teamwork," she added.